Android Oreo 8.1 is finally available for Essential Phones

Andy Rubin's Essential Phone appeared midway through last year, poised to take on the Samsung-Apple hegemony with a sleek, rugged design. The company skipped updating its phones to Android's Oreo 8.0 release, and rather opted to wait for Oreo 8.1. Today is that day, then, with the company announcing the update is available for Essential phones immediately.

We're excited to announce the full release of Android Oreo 8.1 on Essential Phone! Check your phone now for the update. pic.twitter.com/0PwPBMj6h1

Oreo 8.1 gets a faster start up, smart text selection, instant apps and windowed video multitasking features. Of course, not that many folks are waiting for the new operating system. The IDC noted last month that Essential had shipped less than 90,000 phones in the first six months after launch. Still, if you've got an Essential phone and want the latest OS now (it's been available for Nexus and Pixel devices since December), just check your phone for the over the air update.